Hallot Parson had his first brush with chocolate making in a Costa Rican farm in 2005. Three years later, having fostered partnerships with local farmers in Venezuela and Costa Rica, Parson along with chocolatier Danielle Centeno and their team have been at the forefront of the artisan chocolate movement in Raleigh. The choicest beans are ground in small batches in a vintage 1920s roaster which helps retain their unique character, be it the hints of cinnamon and tobacco in Carenero Superior or the coffee notes in Rio Caribe. Escazu's aged and handcrafted truffles, candy bars and confections in original and inventive flavors are available for sampling at the store.

Chockey's offers top-class formal, casual, sports, and party wear. Customers can also check out the wide variety of shoes, ties, belts, socks, cufflinks and perfumes available. The management believes in creating tailor-made garments that will have you looking a step above the rest. After all, clothes should enhance both your body and your personality!

Located on the Outer Banks, the Nags Head Tanger Outlet Center offers upscale outlet shopping with an impressive collection of 25 designer and name brand outlet stores. Enjoy unbelievable savings everyday. Stores include Coach, Eddie Bauer, GAP, Nautica, Polo Ralph Lauren, Van Heusen, Bass, Big Dogs and many more. Visit their website for coupons and the complete list of stores, sales & events, hours and more. Shop 'til you drop!

This store caters to all of your Mac and iPod needs. Stop in to check out the latest games, software, and accessories. If you're traveling, the staff can direct you towards all the adapters you need for your electronics. Many locations also offer workshops on how to use their various products. See their website for more information and a calendar of events.

Located at exit 95 off I-95 in Smithfield, Carolina Premium Outlets offers upscale outlet shopping with an impressive collection of 80 designer and name brand outlet stores. Enjoy extreme savings every day. Stores include Adidas, Banana Republic, Coach, Eddie Bauer, Gap, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and many more. Visit their website for a complete list of stores, sales and events.

Whalebone Urban Surf sees the next generation of the Vaughns take the family's longstanding sports retail legacy forward. Stevi Vaughn and her Argentinian husband Martin Chavanne anchored their enterprise in North Hills and cater to surfing enthusiasts in Raleigh. This store has got all your water sports essentials covered; from surfboards to standup paddleboards, skateboards, wax, wetsuits, swimwear, t-shirts and sun glasses. The collection encompasses top brands like Billabong, Channel Island, Element, O'Neill, Olukai, Quiksilver and Volcom, to name a few. Customer service is a top priority, a business philosophy that has remain unchanged since its inception in 1975.

Raleigh natives Gena Faigenbaum Combs and Chandler Woodall brought fashion back home to North Carolina after successful stints in New York with the likes of Missoni and Valentino. Launched in 2006, the collection at the boutique is hand-selected by the duo from their travels across the nation while keeping pace with the season's latest fashion trends. Browse through evening-wear, designer dresses, denim, chic accessories and everyday staples showcased in a friendly and fashion-forward environment. Some of the talented designers represented are Enza Costa, Lauren Moshi, Ted Rossi, J Brand, Alice & Olivia, Dolce Vita, Fiona Paxton, Rock & Republic, and many more.

Mary Virginia Liles' passion for monograms is inspired by Martha Stewart's written publications. Her entrepreneurial venture took root at home and specialized in designs hand-stitched on linen for friends and family. Today Monograms, Inc. in North Hills engraves an array of items brought in by customers or purchased at the store. From paper, glassware, bath and bed products, acrylic and vinyl to jewelry and sterling silver, they boast the creativity and mechanism to beautify and personalize your inventory, that makes for one-of-a-kind wedding presents, baby shower gifts and souvenirs.

Natural Body Spa & Shop resides in the North Hills shopping area, offering a luxurious all-natural spa experience as well as a sizable collection of the shop's signature beauty product and skin care line. Several upscale treatments are available, Natural Body eschewing typical gimmicks in favor of straightforward skin soothing services using organic compounds and products. Specialty offerings at Natural Body consist of full-day pampering treatments for men and women as well as several different styles of relaxing massage. Trained technicians can even lead you and your significant other in couples massage techniques that let you unwind at home at your own pace. Make sure to browse the retail space located within the spa to find the perfect personal pampering product.

Liles Clothing Studio offers an unparalleled collection of men's clothing services, specializing in high-quality fashions from obscure designers as well as creating custom-fit, tailor-made suits, sportswear, leather goods, ties and more. Knowledgeable yet unobtrusive staff assist guests to hand-design their new purchases, utilizing a huge array of fabrics, cuts and patterns. The secret to Liles's success lies in partnerships with artisan design studios, sourcing made-to-order designs from around the globe. Accessories are also on offer, as well as leather shoes and belts that, like everything else, won't be created until you order it. For the best shopping experience, it is advised to arrange an appointment, although Lile's is certainly open for browsing during the day. For men seeking to upgrade their wardrobe with some of the most modern looks available, Liles Clothing Studio is the perfect fit.